Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: WestportREADS, Orphenians Sing, Playhouse Plays …

Posted on December 14, 2022 | Comments Off on Roundup: WestportREADS, Orphenians Sing, Playhouse Plays …

For over 20 years, the Westport Library has offered one book for the entire community to read — and celebrate — together.

This year’s WestportREADS selection is “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” Angeline Boulley’s young adult novel features 18-year-old Daunis Fontaine, a Native teen who must navigate family tragedy, new relationships, and an FBI investigation to root out the corruption in her community.

The author will deliver a keynote address on February 16, in the Trefz Forum. Events leading up to her appearance include:

  • PageTurners Book Club discussion (January 17, 11 a.m., Westport Library)
  • WestportREADS skating afternoon (January 21, 1 to 5 p.m., Westport PAL Longshore rink)
  • Healing Legacy Trauma (February 1, 7 p.m., Westport Library).
  • WestportREADS book discussion (February 2, 7 p.m., Westport Library).

More events will be announced soon.

Boulley is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan. She served as her tribe’s education director, and assistant executive director and on the board of regents at Bay Mills Community College before becoming director for the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

At the age of 54, she recently published her first novel.

Angeline Boulley (Photo/Marcella Hadden)

“Firekeeper’s Daughter” is a #1 New York Times bestseller, and a Reese Witherspoon Hello Sunshine Book Club YA Pick. It is being adapted by Netflix for TV with former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground.

Copies of the book are available for borrowing now at the Library. It is also available as an e-book and audiobook. For more information on WestportREADS, click here.

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A longstanding Westport Rotary Club tradition returned yesterday. The Staples High School Orphenians performed a holiday show.

The half-hour  a cappella concert was held in the acoustically resonant sanctuary of Green’s Farms Congregational Church. From “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies” to “Silent Night,” it was a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.

Conductor Luke Rosenberg leads the Orphenians at the Westport Rotary Club holiday show, in Green’s Farms Church. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Mark Yurkiw writes:

“Yesterday was the last day to donate equipment for a shipment to Ukraine. The response was fantastic. Three more generators showed up, and a dozen sleeping bags, and more.

“But yesterday I got a message that the shipping departure date is postponed until next Wednesday.

“There were many people who wanted to donate but couldn’t do it in time. They now have one more week.”

Donations can be brought to 190 Cross Highway and left by the barn. For questions or pickup arrangements, call Mark: 646-873-0050.

Donations for Ukraine — in the country’s familiar blue and yellow colors.

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“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.”

Lake Gallery is where talented local photographers show stunning large-scale images, taken from around the world.

Westporters Ron Lake and Nancy Breakstone host an opening reception this Friday (December 16, 6 to 8 p.m., 33 Elm Street) of their work.

This is Ron’s second gallery, after opening Focus in 2020 in Woodstock, Vermont. Nancy has curated shows at Earthplace, the Carriage Barn in New Canaan and Rene Soto Gallery in Norwalk.

(Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

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When COVID shut the Westport Country Playhouse, they reached audiences with a new/old idea: Playhouse Radio Theater.

The curtain has risen again. But the innovative series continues.

Next up: a holiday audio play. “A Merry Little Christmas Carol” — with original music and clever sound effects — airs on WSHU on Christmas Eve (December 24, 6:06 p.m. following the news). It will be rebroadcast Christmas Day (December 25, 1:06 p.m.).

Click here for the livestream. Click here for frequencies and locations. Click here for the link via the Playhouse website (available through January 1).

“A Merry Little Christmas Carol” is written and directed by Mark Shanahan, adapted from his play of the same name, and based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Shanahan is curator of Playhouse Radio Theater, in addition to curating the Playhouse Script in Hand play reading series.

WCP artistic director Mark Lamos narrates, with noted Playhouse actors like Paxton Whitehead (Scrooge). Running time is 2 hours.

Bah, humbug!

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Longtime Westport Public Schools director of personnel Nancy Bonvini died peacefully last week. She was 88, and lived in Fairfield.

Following her retirement in 1999, she volunteered at Black Rock School, and was a tutor at Mercy Learning Center.

She enjoyed listening to good music, was an avid reader, and enjoyed time by Long Island Sound and surrounded by nature.

A service will be held tomorrow (Thursday, December 15, 11 a.m. Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield). Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation in Nancy’s memory to Mercy Learning Center, 637 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604.

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An almost-winter day showcases Westport’s stark beauty, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. This beach is on Saugatuck Shores.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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And finally … on this day in 1782, the Montgolfier brothers first flew an unmanned hot air balloon in France. It floated nearly 1.6 miles.

(“06880” is seldom filled with hot air. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

 

 

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Roundup: Techno Claus, Ukraine Aid, Blue Sunday …

Posted on December 12, 2022 | Comments Off on Roundup: Techno Claus, Ukraine Aid, Blue Sunday …

For the 14th year in a row yesterday, “CBS Sunday Morning” featured modern gift ideas from “Techno Claus.”

Each year, the clever, rhyming St. Nick bears a striking resemblance to David Pogue.

And, as often happens, some of the shots in the segment bear a striking resemblance to our Westport neighbor’s home and neighborhoood.

Click below to see if you agree. As a bonus you’ll get some great ideas, on everything from a Zoom meeting “mute alert” and rechargeable hand warmers to a “cable crud” organizer and automobile back window message system.

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It was not the usual collection request.

Rather than toys, food, books or cash, Mark Yurkiw asked for new generators, chainsaws, kerosene heaters, flashlights, sleeping bags, cellphone power banks — the kind of important, durable things Ukraine needs to withstand the continued bombardment by Russia.

A shipping container was headed overseas in a few days. Westporters responded to Mark’s request — quickly and generously.

He received at least one of everything he requested, in an “06880” post. This photo shows some of the donations (in the nation’s famous blue and yellow colors).

But, Mark, notes, “Ukraine is a large country. They can use everything.”

There is still a day before a truck will be loaded.

Donations can be brought to 190 Cross Highway and left by the barn. For questions or pickup arrangements, call Mark: 646-873-0050.

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The last concert of Mark Naftalin’s “Blue Sunday” jazz series filled the Westport Library yesterday with great music, and appreciative music fans.

James Montgomery headlined the finale. In a long career, he’s earned plenty of honors.

So has the series host. Naftalin — a Westport resident — is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, for his work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.

James Montgomery (center), Mark Naftalin (piano, far left) and friends, at yesterday’s Westport Library “Blue Sunday” show. (Photo/Dennis Jackson)

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As seniors race to finish their college applications before the January 1 deadline — and their parents worry about paying for the next 4 years — there’s help in sight.

Staples Tuition Grants is open for applications (click here). Seniors and current college students with demonstrated financial need have until April 9 to apply for STG aid.

Last year, the 81-year-old organization gave over $400,000 in grants, to more than 100 students.

STG could not do it without the help of donors. As they gear up for another season of high demand, the non-profit reminds “06880” readers of the importance of donations. Click here to help.

 

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Last week’s Greens Farms Garden Club annual wreath-making and holiday lunch was both festive and functional.

The group gathered at the Connecticut Audubon Society. Their work can now be seen throughout Westport, Fairfield and Bridgeport, at the Bigelow Center for Seniors, Earthplace, Gillespie Center, Greens Farms post office, Wakeman Town Farms, CT Audubon Society, Fairfield Historical Society, Victorian Cottage, St. John’s Family Center, Mercy Learning Center, St. Timothy’s, STAR Inc., Sturges Ridge, CLASP, nOURish Bridgeport, and the Greens Farms, Southport and Fairfield train stations.

Greens Farms Garden Club members, and their wreaths.

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Westport Community Gardens director — and nature photographer extraordinaire — Lou Weinberg explains today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:

“The winter plumage of the goldfinch is muted. They love when we leave the coneflower stalks standing. Coneflower is an important food source for the birds and the bees. Don’t cut it down!”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … today is National Ding-a-Ling Day. (Don’t believe me? Click here.)

We’re supposed to get in touch with (“ding-a-ling”) family and friends we’ve lost touch with.

Most of us are too busy today to do that. (Which is why we lost touch in the first place). But for a couple of minutes, we can listen to Chuck Berry’s only (somehow) #1 hit:

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(Where else but “06880” can you find David Pogue, the Greens Farms Garden Club and Chuck Berry on the same page? Please click here to support this blog. Thank you!)

 

 

 

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Roundup: Saugatuck Caroling, Westport Lifestyle, Jersey Boys …

Posted on December 11, 2022 | 2 comments

A wonderful tradition returned to Saugatuck yesterday evening.

The Saugatuck Caroling Crawl came back, after a 2-year COVID-induced absence.

Six Staples Orphenians moved from one restaurant to the next, singing holiday songs and making spirits bright. They hit 14 spots in all.

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

Carolers began their rounds at the Boathouse. They headed to Parker Mansion, Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck, before making their way to Railroad Place to sing at Tarantino, Harvest, Romanacci and Allium.

They finished by entertaining diners at Match Lobster Burger, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata and Dunville’s.

Grateful thanks to Orphs Sophia Betit, Zoe Schwartz, James Dobin-Smith, Alyssa Lee, Deneil Betfarhad and Ethan Tober — and the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event.

Missed it? Click below for a “taste” at Match Burger Lobster.

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Christian Siriano’s new store, The Collective West, was the site of Thursday’s Westport Lifestyle party. The magazine honored all 2022 Readers’ Choice winners.

With catering by Marcia Selden and The Home Cook, music by Drew Angus and decorations from Blossom + Stem — plus Santa Claus — it was a great way to show off the noted designer’s recently opened place.

Enjoying Westport Lifestyle’s party: Sholeh Janati (abstract artist) and 
Courtney Davis Schlesinger (comedian). (Photo./John Videler for Videler Photography)

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The curtain rose yesterday on “Jersey Boys” at the White Plains Performing Arts Center next month.

Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate Jack Baylis is part of the cast. He’s not a 4 Season — but he does sing a great number in French.

The show runs through January 8. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Jack Baylis, at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. (Photo/Cara Baylis)

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Yesterday’s Roundup piece about the local connections on “In With the Old” — the Discovery+ series highlighting transformations of abandoned structures — mentioned Westonites Brian and Megan Austin Philpott, and former Westport Planning and Zoning Commission member Al Gratrix.

But there’s much more detail

Brian Philpott is a project manager for The O’Dell Group. The local construction firm put together a team of 20 people to frame that addition in one day.

He’s just one of 4 project managers with Staples ties. Owner Chris O’Dell, Lukas Van Zanten and Chuck Hilman graduated from high school — and so did Philpott’s wife.

PS: The celebration at the end of that day was catered by Matt Storch — another Staples High grad, and the owner of Match Burger Lobster and Match restaurants.

From left: Chris O’Dell, Lukas Van Zanten, Brian Philpott, Chuck Hilman.

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Congratulations to Barry Kresch.

The Westport resident and EV Club of Connecticut president will be honored by the Connecticut Southwestern Area Clean Cities Coalition as EV Evangelist of the Year.

He has spoken on several panels, for example discussing a financial analysis he did for the Westport Police about electric vehicles. Click here for a blog post he wrote on the department’s Tesla.

The celebration is Tuesday (December 13, 11 a.m., Fodor Farmhouse, Norwalk).

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Winter arrives on December 21.

This guy — the subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — is getting ready. He’s no fool.

(Photo/Marisa Lambert)

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And finally … in honor of Jack Baylis’s “Jersey Boys” show (story above):

(‘Tis the season to support “06880.” Please click here to help — and thank you!)

 

 

 

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Staples Student Directors Star At Young Filmmakers’ Forum

Posted on December 7, 2022 | Comments Off on Staples Student Directors Star At Young Filmmakers’ Forum

Staples High School pulses with exciting, challenging classes.

But there are many chances to learn outside the classroom too.

Staples Independent Learning Experience is one path. Students spend a semester or full year working independently or collaboratively, on a project they’re passionate about.

They’re supported by an Independent Learning Experiences teacher, and a faculty mentor.

Last school year, 6 students directed and produced films. On December 20 (6:30 p.m.), the Westport Library will host their international premieres. Afterward, media studies teacher/advisor Lauren Bullock will moderate a talkback, with the filmmakers.

Staples students have access to sophisticated video equipment and editing software.

The films at the Westport Young Filmmakers’ Forum include:

Chucknea’s Biopic (Filmmaker: Jacob Friedman)
An ex-criminal-turned-interdimensional defense officer investigates a lead on a former crime partner, only to discover a more sinister plot for revenge that implicates the security of all dimensions.

Plus One Filmmakers: Leah Chapman, Tate Mullineaux)
Co-dependency and instability challenge 2 teens, as they try to deal with everyday life.

Sincerely, Nadia Filmmaker: Elen Macaluso)
Struggling with mental health issues, a high school girl reflects on her life.

Edges of Love (Filmmaker: Ben Seideman)
A couple preys on unsuspecting victims in a twisted game of betrayal, manipulation and psychosis.

Crucible (Filmmaker: Jack Rein)
A timid youngster suffering from domestic violence is transformed into a confident vigilante, as his family collapses onto him.

If you’re thinking of amateur attempts made with cheap equipment held by shaky hands — think again.

This is 2022. These high school kids have been taught well.

They’ve learned a lot on their own, too.

See their last high school films on the Westport Library’s big screen.

You will probably see their work in years to come.

On a much larger one.

(“06880” covers all the arts, and all the ages. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Positano, Crossword Contest, Hidden Gem …

Posted on November 28, 2022 | 13 comments

A reader writes:

The recent “06880” story about 233 Hillspoint Road [the former Positano restaurant, now being rebuilt as a private home] led me down the Google rabbit hole, to a wonderful surprise.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, my family and I had a Positano reunion at the former Chef Joseph’s son and daughter’s recently opened West Village restaurant, Ferdi.

The hospitality and food is instantly, wonderfully, familiar, while also sparkling with the imprint of the next generation of Chef Fernando and Manager Aida.

My sister and her husband were with us, visiting from Ohio. They married on the beach outside Positano 21 years ago, and had their wedding party at the restaurant. (Its first, I think.)

My adult children, who also were at this dinner with my husband and me, grew up talking to young Fernando and Aida during our countless meals at Positano.

The evening was meaningful for all of us — and we have “06880” to thank for getting the ball rolling.

Positano lives on — as Ferdi, in New York.

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What are you doing at 9 a.m. this Thursday (December 1)?

If you’re a fan of both Staples High School’s Candlelight Concert and the Westport Library’s Crossword Puzzle Contest, you’ll have to prioritize.

Tickets for both popular events go on sale — at the exact same moment. And they go quickly for both.

Click here for the December 16-17 holiday production.

Click here for the February 4 word games event.

And good luck to all!

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Aaron and Brett Fortunoff are Bedford Middle School students, with big hearts and great goals. They write:

“In the spirit of giving and being thankful, we can’t forget about those who are less fortunate and fail to receive a proper daily breakfast — the most important meal of the day.

“So we teamed up with a non-profit called Cereal4All that helps provide cereals to local food pantries. We hope ‘06880’ readers can help us with this important cause.

“For local readers, we will be by both entrances of Stop & Shop this weekend (December 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). We will then deliver the collected cereal to food pantries in Fairfield County.

“There will also be a collection box at Temple Israel in Westport, from December 2 to 16.

“For readers are not local, we created an Amazon wish list you can donate to.  Also, you can Venmo our mother, Laurie. She will buy cereal with the money raised: @lauriefortunoff. You can also click here and donate directly to the charity. The donation is tax deductible.

Aaron and Brett Fortunoff

 

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The Hidden Gem — the combination hair salon/crystal shop on Maple Avenue South, just south of the Exxon station — has closed.

A “for sale” sign sits on the property, the former site of Juljen, Bill’s and Mario & Mike’s.

The asking price is $2 million. Click here for details. (Hat tip: Chris Grimm)

6 Maple Avenue South, with a previous tenant.

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The stars are aligned. This is your chance to order a 2023 Westport Astronomical Society calendar.

It’s filled with daily astronomical data from Phil Harrington, and illustrated with astro-photography from talented WAS members.

The calendar is $15 for members, $20 for non-members ($5 shipping for 1-2; $10 for 3-5). It’s available at any upcoming event (click here for the calendar), or by email (alex@was-ct.org; include quantity and shipping address; you’ll be invoiced via PayPal).

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No matter what the season, there’s beauty at Compo Beach.

Today’s timeless “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Lauri Weiser.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … Keith Levene — a founding member of both the Clash and Public Image Ltd. — died earlier this month in England. He was 65, and suffered from liver cancer. Click here for a full obituary.

(Don’t be a punk. Please support “06880.” Click here to help. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Little Barn, Kelli O’Hara, Alan Fiore …

Posted on November 27, 2022 | 3 comments

On Friday night, Little Barn was the place to be for Hibachi Dinner.

The popular Post Road restaurant’s menu has not changed. Hibachi Dinner is the name of an equally popular band, featuring 3 Brannigan brothers — Terry, Eamon and Seamus — plus Maddy Cerito, and special guest Dylan Curran.

The place was packed. Some of the most energetic fans were members of Staples Players. A week after their great “Guys and Dolls” show closed, they were there to support Seamus, a cast member.

Friday’s Little Barn crowd.

The high school band Dulcit (Grant Hill, Freddie Aldridge, Liam Donaldson and Jake Weissman) opened for Hibachi Dinner. Last night, it was Strictly Business. (That’s the name of another local band that played.)

High school audiences don’t buy drinks at the bar. But Little Barn owner Scott Beck doesn’t mind. He’s happy to provide a venue for them, and their friends.

Kudos to him and his staff. And of course, to Hibachi Dinner, Dolcit and Strictly Business, we say: Rock on!

Hibachi Dinner (from left): Seamus Brannigan, Maddy Cerito, Terry Brannigan, Eamon Brannigan, Dylan Curran.

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Speaking of entertainment: Our neighbor Kelli O’Hara opened at the Metropolitan Opera last week as Laura Brown in the new American opera “The Hours.”

Her costars include legendary star Renee Fleming and multi-Grammy winner Joyce DiDonato.

This is Kelli’s 3rd Met appearance. She starred previously in “The Merry Widow” and “Cosi Fan Tutte.”

Brava!

Kelli O’Hara acknowledges a standing ovation, after her Metropolitan Opera debut. Joining in: Renee Fleming (white dress) and Joyce DiDonato (red dress). (Hat tip and photo: Nancy Diamond)

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Alan Fiore has done it again.

The 2021 Staples High School graduate and current Berklee College of Music student has just released his new single, “A Matter of Time.”

It’s part of an EP, with several previous songs.

It’s just “a matter of time” before Alan hits the big big big time. You heard of him first on “06880.”

Click here to listen, on your favorite streaming platform.

Alan Fiore

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Remarkable Theater closed for the season last month, with some blockbuster Halloween films.

A month later, here’s the scene at the Imperial Avenue parking lot:

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

No worries. There’s plenty of time before the 4th season begins next spring.

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Before this holiday weekend gets too far in the rear view window, here’s one more turkey-themed “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Rusty Ford)

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And finally … Irene Cara, the Academy and Oscar- Award-winning singer most famous for her title songs from the films “Flashdance” and “Fame,” has died. She was 63. Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” is your place for all kinds of entertainment news. Please click here to help keep it coming. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Staples Football, Alumni Soccer, Community Theater …

Posted on November 26, 2022 | 5 comments

Congratulations to the Staples High School football team!

In a wild Thanksgiving game at Paul Lane Field with 7 lead changes — and an especially crazy final 1:30 — the Wreckers prevailed over Greenwich, 39-38.

Victory for the Wreckers! (Photo/Greershotz Photography)

Staples’ first victory over the Cardinals in 5 years — despite several nail-biters — was an important one.

The blue-and-whites — now 9-1 — secured a home game for the first round of the state class “LL” (extra large schools) playoff. They host Fairfield Prep on Tuesday. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m.

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Also Thursday: Over 50 alumni and varsity players participated in Staples boys soccer annual Turkey Bowl.

The oldest participant was Dave Wilson, a former Wrecker captain and Dartmouth College captain from Staples’ Class of 1975. The youngest were current sophomores — a 50-year gap.

The event raises funds for the Albie Loeffler Scholarship.

Turkey Bowl participants. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)

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This is the final weekend for the Westport Community Theater’s (and long-COVID-delayed 65th season) presentation of “Ghost-Writer.”

The 90-minute play ia directed by Alexander Kulcsar, and features Ann Kinner, Rob Pawlikowski, and Deborah Carlson.

Performances are tonight (Saturday, November 26, 8 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, 2 p.m.), at Town Hall. Tickets are $25. For reservations, call 203-226-1983. For more information, click here.

 

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The Westport Book Shop’s second annual Winter Family Fest is set for next Saturday (December 3, 10:30 a.m. to noon).

Children will enjoy snowflake-themed crafts on Jesup Green, and holiday story readings inside the store.

The event is on, whether there are real snowflakes or not.

Fun for kids next weekend, inside and out.

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The sign near the Bayberry Lane Extension bridge project says it will be completed by November 30.

This was the scene yesterday:

(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)

They’ve got 4 days to meet their deadline.

And today and tomorrow are the weekend.

I’m just sayin’ …

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And finally … James Connaughton snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo near Center Street.

“Turkeys that got away?” he wonders, surveying yesterday’s scene. “Or late to dinner?”

(Photo/James Connaughton)

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And finally … the photo above reminded me of …

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“Another Lime Jimmy”: Honoring Walton Amey

Posted on November 25, 2022 | 6 comments

The sudden death last summer of Walton Amey — a multi-talented musician and athlete, and a 1971 Staples High School graduate — stunned his many friends and admirers. He was 69.

Grammy-winning musician and producer Brian Keane, writes:

I lost my dear friend Walton Amey while we were vacationing at our mutual friend and former bandmate Stephen Schneider’s beach house on Fire Island.

Walt was an amazingly talented, engaging and entertaining person. He was an accomplished actor, singer, comedian and athlete. He was a rugged non-conformist who refused the high expectations and restrictions of traditional societal values.

Walton Amey, in the 1971 Staples High yearbook.

Walt viewed life as a playground — one with which he was constantly engaged, always thinking of ways for people to have fun, get involved, be entertained, enjoy being ridiculous.

Walt was a showman. Being engaged in a show that delighted even one other person truly made him happy.

Stephen Schneider wrote a wonderful song in tribute called “Another Lime Jimmy.” He performed it at Walt’s touching (and sort of wild) celebration of life on the shores of Lake Onondaga in Syracuse this past summer. The song is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Very catchy too.

I produced the song with Stephen performing it, using people from various bands and theatrical productions that Walton performed with over the years.

I’m sure we didn’t get to everyone who would have wanted to contribute. But as Walt often said, “what’s good is good.”

The most valuable thing about Thanksgiving is the appreciation of gratitude. So this seemed like an appropriate way to say thanks this year.

I hope that, even if you never knew Walton Amey, watching the video will give you some sense of that joy, fun, and spontaneity with which he approached life.

“06880” agrees. Click below, for the best 6 minutes of your day.

(From graduates to current students — and those not yet there — “06880′ brings you news of Staples High. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.) 

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Roundup: Stevan Dohanos, Police, Fire …

Posted on November 24, 2022 | 2 comments

It’s a tradition for “06880” to run Westport artist Stevan Dohanos’ Saturday Evening Post 2 famous Thanksgiving illustrations. Both used Westport models (including the former “gingerbread house” on Long Lots Road):

Today, we’re adding a third from Dohanos. (Though the turkey was probably for Christmas.)

This was not a cover. As the caption (“Here they come, Mom! And Jim won need the wishbone — they’ve got their Plymouth!”) suggests, it was an advertisement.

Still, it’s an evocative illustration. You can almost smell the turkey.

And the seats in the brand-new Plymouth. (Hat tip: Anthony Dohanos)

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The Westport Police have released arrest reports for the November 16-23 period.

Two people were detained in custody. One was charged with threatening, 2nd degree. One was charged with stalking, 3rd degree, and breach of peace.

The following citations were issued:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 12
  • Stop sign violation: 5
  • Operating an unregistered vehicle: 4
  • Insurance coverage fails minimum requirements: 3
  • Misuse of plates: 3
  • Failure to obey control signal: 3
  • Failure to keep plates readable: 2
  • Cell phone, 1st offense: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Violation of any traffic commission regulation: 1
  • Misuse of plates: 1
  • Failure to display plates: 1
  • Illegal use of tinted glass: 1

There were several license plate violations this past week. This was not one of them. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

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Meanwhile, Fire Marshal Terrence Dunn notes that many offices and businesses will soon have Christmas trees and holiday decorations. These can pose a serious safety risk.

Natural trees with a root ball attached pose a less significant fire hazard than a cut tree, which dries out faster. Artificial trees and decorations should be flame retardant or flame resistive. Decorations should not block exits.

Dunn says, “All lighting should be turned off, or better yet disconnected, when the area is unattended. This is especially important in residential occupancies when the occupants are asleep. Make sure the tree is not situated near open flames, and that it does obstruct any fire doors.”

Be careful!

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When “Jersey Boys” comes to the White Plains Performing Arts Center next month, there will be a full tri-state connection.

Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate Jack Baylis is part of the cast. He’s not a 4 Season — but he does sing a great number in French.

The curtain rises December 9, and runs through January 8. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Jack Baylis. He does not play guitar in “Jersey Boys.”

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Yesterday, “06880” reported on Ryan “Shoeless” Smith. The Bates College men’s cross country captain lost a shoe in the first mile of the 8K NCAA East Division Regional Championship. He still finished 11th — out of more than 200 runners — and qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships.

That race was last weekend, at Michigan State University. Ryan kept his shoes on — fortunate, considering the snowy, 25-degree weather — and finished 59th out of 294 competitors. His 25:49.5 time over 8K was the best on his team.

He was not the only former Staples cross country runner there. Nick Taubenheim (SHS ’20) finished 146th for Claremont-Mudd Scripps (26:18.9), while Luke Lorenz (SHS ’19) took 179th for Middlebury College (26:29.9).

Ryan Smith

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Sure, it’s Thanksgiving. But pumpkins are still hanging around.

And — as Pam Kesselman points out, with today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “Someone was hungry.”

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … well, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without Arlo and Alice.

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Posted in Entertainment, Looking back, Media, Sports, Staples HS

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Unsung Heroes #264

Posted on November 23, 2022 | 2 comments

For over 60 years, Staples Players have entertained, touched and inspired audiences. Some shows are fun and funny; others, thought-provoking or  provocative.

Over the years, we’ve grown to expect spectacular quality: acting, singing, directing, choreography, sets, costumes, lighting, the pit.

We always rave about Players’ productions. But we sometimes take them for granted.

“Guys and Dolls” — the 7th time they’ve put on that musical — closed Saturday night. It built on the tradition of previous versions, and all the other successes.

But it sure wasn’t easy.

Henry Carson — the senior playing Nathan Detroit — was laid out by flu just before the show opened. Freshman Will McCrae stepped spectacularly into the breach. (His late grandfather — Jack Lemmon — would have been very proud.)

Will McCrea as Nathan Detroit, and Jackie Peterson as Adelaide. (Photo/Kerry Long)

The next day, understudies Graham Griffin (also a 9th grader) and junior Finley Chevrier took the stage, in other roles. A spot operator was also out sick.

In the week between opening and closing, nearly 2 dozen of the cast and tech crew caught whatever was going around. By the final performance, all but one had recovered. The show went on — fabulously.

But without its regular pit orchestra conductor.

Staples music teacher Carrie Mascaro was ill. Her colleague Luke Rosenberg — the school’s choral director — stepped up big time. He learned the score, then led 14 musicians in a flawless performance.

Luke Rosenberg took over as pit director last weekend. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The show must go on. And it did.

How about one more standing ovation for:

  • The understudies who got the call, and quickly responded
  • Their replacements, who had to instantly adapt too
  • The costume crew, who did incredible work before the show, then kept working as actors took on new roles
  • The tech crew, which never gets enough praise — and their creative boss, Jeff Hauser, who made sure set designer Jordan Janota’s imaginative vision was brought to life

“Rockin’ the Boat” — on the great “Guys and Dolls” set. (Photo/Kerry Long)

  • Choreographer (and expectant mom) Rachel MacIsaac Myers, whose wonderful work continued with each new actor
  • Luke Rosenberg, a true professional who stepped into the big conducting breach with virtually no notice
  • Directors David Roth and Kerry Long, who solved problem after problem, and weathered storm after storm, by modeling the show biz tradition that everyone involved will remember the rest of their lives.

“Guys and Dolls” — the 1950 show — is all about luck.

“Guys and Dolls” — Staples Players-style — had plenty of bad luck. But every person involved, on stage and off, came through a winner.

Congratulations, guys (and dolls). You’re our “06880” Unsung Heroes of the Week.

PS: Missed the show? check out the highlight reel below. It’s an easy bet: This will be the best 8 minutes you spend today.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Let us know! Email 06880blog@gmail.com)

(“06880” entertains — and, hopefully, inspires and provokes — you several times a day. To support your hyper-local blog, please click here.)

 

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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